Facing the new legislative period in Maryland, legislators and activists defined their priorities to protect the right to housing. At least four bills have been presented regarding this matter and, if approved, they would benefit 2.4 million tenants, according to the entity CASA.
“In the last year, we’ve seen rent increases from anywhere from $100 to $1,000 and that’s something landlords have done out of thin air. We came out of a pandemic and the tenants are still trying to recover,” said Jorge Benítez Pérez, organizer of CASA.
Organizations require the following:
- $175 million for rental assistance
- Just Cause Project for Evictions
- Tenant security proposal to hold landlords accountable for housing conditions
- Plan to prevent unlicensed landlords from going to court for evictions
“Every person who lives in Maryland deserves safe and decent housing. We know the problems that renters face and every year during legislative sessions we know it and we allow it to continue to happen. This year with the security project for renters we will say no more,” said Vaughn Stewart, delegate from Maryland.
Also, some residents denounced living in unsanitary conditions.
“Rats. Cockroach infestation, mold, flooding, as the water rises up from the dirty, black tub. And maintenance doesn’t do anything to make these problems go away,” said Jessica Guerrero, of Montgomery County.
Meanwhile, for Prince George’s County, several proposals have also been developed. Among them, one of the 7th district councilor, Krystal Oriadha, stands out, which would put a temporary limit of 3% on rent increases.
“At this time, people are losing their homes and since this proposal is temporary, it would offer space to talk with the owners and reach agreements on fair increases,” explained the official, while stressing that she was confident that the measure would be approved. .
In the Maryland state assembly, the session will be 90 days during which tenant protections could be approved.